Old Parks Football Club

Old Parkonians Football Club

History

The Old Parkonian’s Football Club (OPFC) was founded in 1902 by a sports teacher at Parks High Grade School. Today, more than 110 years later, the school has changed its name and location – but its ties with the club that still bears its name remain as strong as ever. The club currently has over 200 members.

Deeply rooted in the local community Old Parkonians FC believes it is important to try to give something back wherever possible. In recent years Old Parkonians have donated money to the Chigwell Riding Trust, Cystic Fibrosis charity ‘Tomorrows’ , taken part in 24hour charity football matches and further afield have donated a number of old kits to African children.

Achievements

In the 1902-03 season – the club’s first – they became champions of London by winning the prestigious Dewar Shield, beating Halstone Road School, Greenwich, in the final.

The Old Parkonians – which currently boast nine separate teams of various ages and ability – were particularly strong throughout the 1950s, ’70s, ’80s. The 21st century has seen a return to form, with numerous Division titles for all XIs in the Southern Amateur League, alongside frequent Cup wins.

In 2014, the Club saw an exciting new venture with the founding of the “Young Parkonians”, an U15 team playing in the Echo Junior Football League. The youth side is the first under age team to represent Parks since the ‘colts’ side in the late 90’s.